I had a blast contributing to Burringbar Public School’s 125 Year Celebrations recently. It was cool to catch up with friends from the area and re-connect with fellow past students. It was awesome to see the community get behind the celebrations and showcase what the village is all about.
I was assigned the task of completing an addition to the memorial wall at Mt Cotton State School. It is never and I hope the artwork brings joy to the memories and assists with the healing/grieving process. The great manners and initiative of students to open the gate while my hands were full put a smile on my face.
Mt Cotton State School I think was the the first school I completed a project back in 2000 or 2001. I have enjoyed a great relationship with the school with 9 Murals over the years, each still serving well. Previous principals and teachers have engaged my services at their new schools and many of these works have been great folio examples.
On my last adventure I had the pleasure of delivering canvasses to new homes. I haven’t had a lot of time in my Tweed Valley studio this year but have managed to complete some new work between projects interstate.
One of the commissions was on behalf of the community of Aramac who sought a leaving gift for a much loved family. It was challenging to apply to four stepped canvasses but it turned out great capturing everything in the brief and I hope it sparks great memories for the owners.
I also caught up with some friends in the area for some barn shenanigans and live music on pretty much my only day off between woking on new projects…Beers & beats in the barn to sooth the soul for a Sunday session.
Great things happen at North. It was fantastic to return to Emerald North State School after completing the tuck shop project last year. This time my skills were put to use on a large welcoming mural and teaching block 4 also received some attention with an illusion mural with cartoon elements. It was a pleasure to return and see familiar faces amongst the school community.
It was great to return to St Joseph’s Primary in Barcaldine recently. I had the opportunity to brighten up a number of spaces. It was great to be a part of some of the new things happening at the school, see familiar faces and meet new ones. The friendly staff and students at Joey’s always make me feel welcome.
I escaped the cold winter briefly and headed to sunny North Queensland to visit family. While in town I was commissioned to do a large wall I had discussed with the owner a couple of years ago when I painted the stairwell. I explored several design concepts each using an illusion element and the owner chose the “funky” one. It was great to see this mural come to fruition and able to put the time in the wall deserved.
During this trip I delivered a canvas to its new home and as always no visit to cairns is complete without a paint session and a cold beverage with the talented and friendly locals, Mint & Wal.
It was my first trip to Boulia and what an adventure! After recent rain the flora and fauna of Outback Queensland was not like I’d seen in years. I completed two large murals at Boulia State School. Thanks to the school staff and community for making me feel welcome and the students who shared their experiences and cultural heritage.
This project wrapped up my second tour of Queensland this year and The only thing I won’t miss are the flies!
Over the years I have been a part of a variety Youth Week projects in Longreach with great outcomes and this year was no exception. The Garden of Youth engaged my expertise to assist them to paint a mural at the community garden. It’s great to see the space being utilised and gardening is something I enjoy when I’m not painting so it was awesome work with a likeminded team and learn a few tips myself. I also took on a commission to revamp Eagle Street Pizza while in town.
It was a pleasure to recreate Edward Hoppers “Nighthawks” at a private residence in Barcaldine. The more I studied the painting the more I loved it and can see why Edward Hopper is regarded as one of Americas most influential fine artists.
It was only a few weeks since my last visit to Emerald but always happy to return. This time I facilitated stencil art workshops for Youth Week and completed a demo at the skate competition. It was great to be part of an extensive program co-ordinated by Central Highlands Regional Council.
